US Government Sends Clear Warning to Museveni over Torture

The US government has expressed concern over the ‘recurring credible accounts of forced disappearances, arbitrary detention and torture in Uganda,’ warning that these “reflect poorly” on President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni’s state.

In a statement issued through the US Mission in Kampala, the American government urged Uganda’s government to respect the Constitution and regional regulations it has subscribed to.

The US also called for punishments for officers accused of engaging in acts of human rights violations.

“Recurring credible accounts of forced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and use of physical and mental torture of Ugandan citizens by the security forces reflect poorly on the government and undermine the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which under Article 24 states, ‘No person shall be subjected to any form of torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,” reads the statement from the US embassy in part.

“We urge the Government of Uganda, as a party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading ‘Treatment or Punishment, to protect the rights of its citizens and to hold accountable those who violate these rights.”

The embassy further praised the victims of torture for their courage, and the media for “shining light on these stories and raising awareness.”

“We recognize the courage of the victims in sharing their experiences with the public, and of concerned citizens calling for the full expression of their constitutional rights and protections.”

The statement came on the heels of a shocking video in which novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija shows how badly he was tortured by suspected SFC operatives. (Read Story Here).